The sands of time are running out! With the UK tax year wrapping up on 5th April 2026, now is the critical moment to make any last-minute financial moves that could save you money or boost your savings. This guide is your quick-fire checklist.
1. Maximise Your ISA Allowance
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are tax-free, and the annual allowance is £20,000. If you have not used your full ISA allowance this tax year, do it now. Cash ISA, Stocks & Shares ISA, or Lifetime ISA — pick the one that suits you.
2. Top Up Your Pension
Pension contributions receive tax relief at your marginal rate. If you are a basic-rate taxpayer, every £100 you contribute only costs you £80 after tax relief. Higher-rate taxpayers save even more.
3. Use Your Capital Gains Tax Allowance
The CGT annual exempt amount is £3,000. If you have investments outside an ISA that have gains, consider selling and rebuying within an ISA wrapper to shelter future gains.
4. Check Your Marriage Allowance
If one spouse earns less than the personal allowance (£12,570) and the other is a basic-rate taxpayer, you could be transferring £1,260 of allowance and saving up to £252 a year.
5. Clear Debts Before Year End
If you have stored-up debt on 0% credit cards, make a plan to clear it before the new tax year. Interest-free periods reset with the new year.
Act before 5th April 2026 — these allowances do not roll over.
Note: This is general guidance, not financial advice. Your situation is unique — consider speaking to a qualified financial adviser for personalised recommendations.
Related guides: tax year end guide
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There are plenty of other ways to boost your income alongside this method. If you want to explore more options, check out our UK beermoney megalist which covers over £1,450 in available offers right now. Every little helps — and most of these take less than 20 minutes to set up.